How do you handle tile shade variation? Do you make a point of bringing it up with customers before starting a tile installation project? If you don't, I urge you to do so. Not only is it a great opportunity to educate your customers about tile installation methods, standards and best practices, but it also helps you avoid what I refer to as the "Five-O-Five Surprise."
Wood plank tile: it's beautiful and offers so many advantages over hardwood floors. What kind of grout joint offsets should you work with?
How well do you prep substrate for tile? Do you take the time to check it out before you start installing tile?
The quality of the tile work that the consumer sees on the surface is only as good as what is underneath. This seems to be a simple statement, but if the appropriate prep work is not completed, the final appearance may not be acceptable, not to mention that it may lead to failure.
Lippage occurs entirely too often, making three specific hazards way too prevalent, and definitely ones you should avoid. More specifically,
- The hazard of having tile installations rejected,
- Creating serious injury hazards,
- Hazardous and objectionable visuals that affect everyone involved
If you understand that all tile assemblies move and that movement (expansion) joints are mandatory, you also know that they are the only way to ensure success.
However, do you think installing movement (expansion) joints in tile installations are a pain in the #?&? If so, here are two quick and easy ways to install high-quality and long-lasting movement joints.
Should tile installers become certified?
If you are serious about your calling as a tile installer, yes, you should become a Certified Tile Installer (CTI).
If you aren't, chances are high that you aren't reading this article or even asking yourself the question.
Have you encountered situations where a tile installation called for a 50% offset and credit card grout joints? And, then, once installed it led to lippage problems, misaligned grout joints, and/or an unhappy customer?
I'm pleased to inform you that you can officially find guidance - and justification for avoiding a 50% offset - in the TCNA Handbook.
Ready to learn more?
Do you know how to correctly install glass tile? After all, it's beautiful and on trend which usually means that customers will ask you about it for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, and showers. As you might imagine, this stunning product, when installed correctly, provides years of enjoyment.
Is the mortar coverage under the tile you install really important? You bet. Do you just assume that you are getting sufficient coverage? I hope not.
As often as mortar coverage comes up in articles about tile installation, you'd think that the problem would go away. Unfortunately, it hasn’t, especially in exterior and shower areas, for natural stone tile, and even high profile commercial installations.
If you want your tile installation to function as it should, then don't assume you have sufficient mortar coverage. Check it. That's the best way to avoid costly callbacks and ensure a successful installation
